In contrast to last week’s Deloitte survey, the National Retail Federation’s annual survey with Prospect Insights & Analytics found that Back-to-School spending will top the former banner year of 2023 at both the K-12 and college levels. The new research is guiding total K-12 spending up 10% to $43.3 billion from $39.4 billion in ‘25 and breaking the ‘23 high-water mark of $41.5 billion. Average family spending, however, should only tick up 1% to $863.86 from $858.07 in the prior year.

By category, the K-12 top line breaks out at $14.7 billion ... Log in to view full article.